CENTRAL COAST — Local hospitals are urging community members to donate blood during a series of multi-day drives this month, as January typically brings a drop in donations due to winter weather, seasonal illnesses and fewer workplace and school drives.
“The start of the year is one of the most challenging times for maintaining a stable blood supply,” said Susan Noone, executive director for Vitalant. “Patients don’t get a break from needing blood, and these community blood drives play a vital role in ensuring hospitals have the blood they need to provide lifesaving care every day.”
The drives are part of the annual National Blood Donor Month effort, which highlights the lifesaving impact of blood donors. All donors at participating locations will receive a commemorative blood drive T-shirt and be entered into a raffle for one of 26 $500 gift cards. Appointments are strongly recommended.
Donations are especially needed from type O and platelet donors. Type O blood is broadly compatible and can help the greatest number of patients, while platelets, which have a shelf life of just five to seven days, are critical for cancer patients and those undergoing complex medical treatments. A single donation can support trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatments and other medical needs.
Blood drives will be held at the following locations:
- Friday, Jan. 23 — Monterey: Montage Health, 576 Hartnell St., 12-5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 24 — Salinas: Salinas Valley Health, 450 E. Romie Way, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 25 — Santa Cruz: Dominican Hospital, 1555 Soquel Drive, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 25 — King City: Mee Memorial Hospital, 300 Canal St., 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 26 — Salinas: Natividad Hospital, 1441 Constitution Blvd., 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Appointments and more information are available at vitalant.org/ksbw.
The event is sponsored by Vitalant in partnership with KSBW, Montage Health, Salinas Valley Health, Dominican Hospital, Mee Memorial Hospital and Natividad Medical Center.
